Thread: Chitre

Hi, interested in some information about the place.

From the wiki - "The corregimientos are San Juan Bautista, Llano Bonito, Monagrillo, La Arena and Chitré"

Which would be classed as the best or safest area? And which area is closest to the shops, malls, bus terminal, bars et al?

I am thinking of taking a trip there and would like to know more about the place prior to going.

Originally Posted by zog

Hi, interested in some information about the place.

From the wiki - "The corregimientos are San Juan Bautista, Llano Bonito, Monagrillo, La Arena and Chitré"

Which would be classed as the best or safest area? And which area is closest to the shops, malls, bus terminal, bars et al?

I am thinking of taking a trip there and would like to know more about the place prior to going.

Hey Zog, I am living one town over in Las Tablas and I go to Chitre at least once a week. Some expats have been moving out here to avoid the prices and crime of Panama City. Chitre is already a good-sized town with it's own hospitals and bars. The cab rides are cheap and frequent. My personal suggestion would be to stay at the Hotel Rex for aprox $25-30 per night and it is in the middle of the city. You should be able to get a cab ride for $1.50-$2 from the terminal to the Hotel Rex. There is the Fiesta Casino and a club nearby. Food is cheap, women are plentiful, and public transport is excellent.

Thanks Woohoo. Do you or your panamanian fiancee know any more about the various areas in Chitre? The best areas, the dodgy areas, if any.

Good neighborhoods, Miramar, Altos del Fraile, La Arena. Don't go to Aserrio but keep in mind the town is not that big. It's not like you are having to figure out the neighborhoods in Panama City. My suggestion is to take a look if you are serious. If you were to literally spend $10-$20 cab fare you will figure out the town. You will not know until you check it out and that will not break "the bank".

my family is originally from Chitre, and its really nice. Its a modern city with mcdonalds, shopping centers, and super markets. The crime is alot lower compared to the city. There is even a bus terminal in Chitre which makes it really convient if traveling to other parts of the country. I like it, but me being a single female I prefer the city alot more.

How about the temperature in Chitre. It must be very hot, right?

It is fairly warm here in Chitre and surrounding area. Like Michellapa stated it does have the amenities necessary to keep your sanity. Stores, restaurants, Fiesta casino, night club, "regular bars" (not just cantinas), growing expat community, major bus terminal, low crime, decent neighborhoods, hospitals, etc. As you already realize you will need to check around before making any big decisions. Unless you have somewhere to be I would probably spend upwards of 6 months to 1 year actually living in different places. Being happy where you will eventually wind up living is critical.